The project examines the complex role of religion in Greco-Roman antiquity with regard to social cohesion: on the one hand, religion could promote social cohesion by creating shared values and convictions; on the other hand, it was often responsible for the emergence of conflicts. In a comparative analysis, the research project focuses on various ancient epochs and forms of government in which political crises and religious diversity posed particular challenges to the integration of individuals and social groups. Sub-projects analyse democratic processes in classical Athens, the global and local world of Hellenism and religious conflicts in late antique cities. Historical, sociological and theological approaches explore structures and actors for whom religion became a medium for negotiating and maintaining social identity. We still encounter religion in this role today - the findings of the project are therefore relevant to current discussions of social integration processes and make a direct contribution to understanding contemporary societies.
Beate is the Barbara Craig Fellow & Tutor in Ancient History at Somerville and an Associate Professor in Ancient History at the Faculty of Classics, Oxford.
